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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.